Automatic parking models developed by students

As a solution to limited parking space in cities, 2 high school students named Nguyen Ngoc Quynh Tram and Van Duy Ky, Nguyen Thien Thuat High School in Nha Trang City have conducted research on an automatic parking system, which was awarded the first prize in a mechanical engineering sector at the Provincial Technical and Scientific Contest For High School Students, school year 2023 – 2024.

A smart parking solution has been widely used in developed countries and in big cities in Vietnam such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The students hoped the research on an automatic parking system, part of a smart parking model would help find a solution to limited parking space at shopping centers, buildings, hospitals, schools, etc. in cities and provide an easy and convenient parking system for customers.

Nguyen Ngoc Quynh Tram and Van Duy Ky introduce their smart parking model.

After completing mechanical and electrical parts of the system, Tram and Ky began working on the algorithm and codes for the control. The automatic parking system is designed to have cars stacked vertically to limit space.

The parking process is initiated with card swipe, the cars are positioned and lifted up with the ball screw support bearings and step motors. A programmable logic controller (PLC) is used for the control and supervision of automatic processes. Sensors are used to scan digital QR-code tickets at entry and exit. 

“During our research, we found that more improvements are needed such as an anti-vibration device, noise reduction system, fire alarm system, surveillance cameras together with improvements in moving ladder structures, etc. Besides, we will continue developing safety measures during automatic moving and parking with more smart devices needed to ensure safety for users," Ky said.

According to Vo Thi Quynh Nga, a physics teacher, Nguyen Thien Thuat High School, both of the students are capable in scientific research, each with their own strengths. Tram is skillful in mechanical engineering while Ky is passionate about information technology.

Therefore, during the research, besides knowledge learning from textbooks at school, they showed efforts to widen their knowledge and acquire new skills and promote mutual strengths.

After the contest, they are cherishing new ideas for the next year. The contest is a chance for them to discover, nurture and show off their talents, which is helpful for their career orientation.

H.N

Translated by N.T